Paterson board of adjustment member pleads guilty in Jersey City police off-duty work scandal

A Jersey City police officer who is a member of the Paterson Board of Adjustment pleaded guilty on Tuesday to collecting pay for off-duty work never performed, according to U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick.

Abdelaziz made a total payment of $11,825 in bribe payments to another Jersey City office authorized to assign off-duty work in exchange for that officer’s help to submit phony vouchers stating Abdelaziz completed some off-duty assignments. As a result, Abdelaziz received pay for work he never performed, authorities said.

Abdelaziz faces five years in prison and $250,000 in fine or twice the gross gain or loss from the crime. As part of the plea agreement, Abdelaziz will forfeit $22,449.

Sentencing for Abdelaziz is scheduled for January 3, 2018.

Abdelaziz is the brother of former 6th Ward council candidate Ala “Al” Abdelaziz. Councilwoman Maritza Davila appointed Ehab Abdelaziz to the Board of Adjustment in 2016.